A lock nut system includes a nut, a keeper engagement with the nut to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut, and a keeper retaining member. The keeper has a radially inner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of the nut relative to the shaft when the keeper engages the nut and a radially inner side engages the shaft. The keeper retaining member is secured to the keeper and is engageable with the nut to hold a keeper axially such that keeper is engaged with the nut. A cover member is located on an opposite side of the keeper retaining member relative to the nut and engaged to the keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member in such that that the separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.
|
23. A lock nut system comprising:
a nut;
a keeper engageable with said nut to inhibit movement of said keeper relative to said nut;
said keeper configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of said nut relative to the shaft when said keeper engages said nut and said keeper engages the shaft;
a keeper retaining member secured to said keeper, said retaining member engageable with said nut to hold said keeper engaged with said nut; and
a tamper indicating member contacting said keeper retaining member such that a separation of said tamper indicating member from said keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.
13. A method for use in providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft, the method comprising:
engaging a lock nut on a shaft at a desired preload of a bearing mounted on the shaft;
engaging a keeper with the nut to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut;
engaging the keeper with the shaft to inhibit movement of the nut relative to the shaft;
engaging a retaining member connected to the keeper with the nut to hold the keeper engaged with the nut; and
engaging a tamper indicating member to the keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of the tamper indicating member from the retaining member such that the separation of the tamper indicating member from the retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.
1. A lock nut system comprising:
a nut;
a keeper engageable with said nut to inhibit movement of said keeper relative to said nut;
said keeper configured to engage a shaft to inhibit movement of said nut relative to the shaft when said keeper engages said nut and the shaft;
a keeper retaining member secured to said keeper, said retaining member engageable with said nut to hold said keeper engaged with said nut; and
a tamper indicating member located on an opposite side of said keeper retaining member relative to said nut and engaged to said keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of said tamper indicating member from said keeper retaining member and such that the separation of said tamper indicating member from said keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.
22. A lock nut system comprising:
a nut;
a keeper engageable with said nut to inhibit movement of said keeper relative to said nut;
said keeper configured to engage a shaft to inhibit movement of said nut relative to the shaft when said keeper engages said nut and the shaft;
a keeper retaining member secured to said keeper, said retaining member engageable with said nut to hold said keeper engaged with said nut; and
a tamper indicating member positionable on an opposite side of said keeper retaining member relative to said nut and engaged to said keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of said tamper indicating member from said keeper retaining member and such that the separation of said tamper indicating member from said keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.
24. A lock nut system comprising:
a nut;
a keeper engageable with said nut to inhibit movement of said keeper relative to said nut;
said keeper having a radially inner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of said nut relative to the shaft when said keeper engages said nut and said radially inner side engages the shaft;
a keeper retaining member secured to said keeper, said retaining member engageable with said nut to hold said keeper axially such that said keeper is engaged with said nut; and
a tamper indicating member connected to opposite portions of said retaining member and inhibiting movement of said opposite portions relative to each other such that a separation of said connecting member from said keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.
7. A system for use in securing a lock nut to a shaft, comprising:
a keeper engageable with a lock nut to inhibit movement of said keeper relative to said nut;
said keeper configured to engage a shaft to inhibit movement of said nut relative to the shaft when keeper engages said nut and the shaft;
a keeper retaining member secured to said keeper, said retaining member engageable with said nut to hold said keeper engaged with said nut; and
a tamper indicating member located on an opposite side of said keeper retaining member relative to said keeper and engaged to said keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of said tamper indicating member from said retaining member and such that the separation of said tamper indicating member from said retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.
2. The system of
3. The system of
4. The system of
5. The system of
6. The system of
8. The system of
9. The system of
10. The system of
11. The system of
12. The system of
14. The method of
15. The method of
16. The method of
17. The method of
18. The method of
19. The method of claim of
20. The method of claim of
21. The method of
|
This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/455,143 filed on Aug. 8, 2014, titled “Systems and Methods for Preloading a Bearing and Aligning a Lock Nut”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/970,795, filed on Mar. 26, 2014, titled “Systems and Methods for Preloading A Bearing and Aligning A Lock Nut”, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
This application relates to U.S. Ser. No. 11/029,521, filed on Jan. 5, 2005, titled “Lock Nut System” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,367 issued Dec. 4, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
This application relates to U.S. Ser. No. 11/738,041, filed on Apr. 20, 2007, titled “Lock Nut System” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,164 issued Dec. 1, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/341,948, filed on Jan. 27, 2006, titled “Method and Apparatus For Preloading A Bearing,” U.S. Pat. No. 7,559,135 issued Jul. 14, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/354,513, filed Feb. 15, 2006, and titled “Method, Apparatus, and Nut for Preloading a Bearing”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,579 on Jun. 24, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/492,826, filed Jun. 26, 2009, and titled “Systems and Methods For Preloading a Bearing and Aligning A Lock Nut”, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,530 on Nov. 27, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates, generally, to methods and apparatus for preloading antifriction bearings in drive trains, particularly, to preloading and adjusting bearings while monitoring the preload being applied.
Various means have been devised to simplify the adjustment of axle bearings, specifically, truck axle bearings. It is generally accepted that in some bearing installations, for example, axle bearings, the life of the bearing will be optimized if the adjustment is made for a slight axial compressive deflection, for example, about 0.003 inches (where this amount is the compressive deflection of the two bearings combined), which is often referred to as “a three thousandths preload.” Typical prior art methods of creating these preloads are obtained by applying specified torques to the bearing assembly, for example, by tightening the nut that retains the bearings. However, for several reasons, it is typically extremely difficult to achieve such preload settings under actual in-field conditions, such as in a mechanic shop. For example, the assembly of a heavy truck wheel onto a wheel hub assembly is a relatively cumbersome procedure that hinders the mechanic. Moreover, the wheel hub assembly always includes at least one inner seal, usually a lip type of seal, which can impose a resistive drag torque component to the preload torque, particularly when the seal is new.
Lock nut systems are often utilized to retain a wheel or hub assembly, including axle bearings, on a shaft. Such lock nut systems may be connected to a shaft and inhibit rotation of a retaining nut relative to such shafts. For example, such systems are often utilized on motor vehicles, such as axles and wheel ends. Typically, a lock nut will be engageable with a locking member or keeper which inhibits movement of the nut relative to the shaft. The locking member may include a protruding portion which extends into a slot or receiving portion of a shaft. The locking member may also engage the nut such that there is little or no movement between the nut and shaft.
It is important that teeth of a locking member engage teeth of the lock nut such that the locking member is positioned to allow it to engage a slot of the shaft. The nut must be aligned to allow such engagement by selective rotation of the nut to a particular position such that the teeth of the nut and the teeth of the locking member when engaged allow an engaging portion of the locking member to engage a slot of the shaft. Rotation of the nut may be performed during the preloading of a bearing and the degree of rotation allowed may depend on the amount of compressive force applied to a bearing or hub during the preloading of the bearing and the method of application of such force.
Once an adjustment has been made to axle bearings to maximize the life of such bearings it is important to maintain the adjustment made. Further, it is desirable to ascertain from a visual inspection whether the adjustment has been altered without the need for actual measurement of a bearing's preload. The ability to maintain a proper preload and to verify that no additional adjustment has been made allows an original equipment manufacturer (i.e., OEM), such as an auto manufacturer, to provide a warranty on bearing systems which have not been adjusted after they have left the factory.
Thus, a need exists for providing accurate and repeatable procedures and devices for providing and adjusting bearing preload and for adjusting lock nut systems configured to retain preloaded bearings.
The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a lock nut system including a nut, a keeper engageable with the nut to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut, and a keeper retaining member. The keeper has a radially inner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of the nut relative to the shaft when the keeper engages the nut and a radially inner side engages the shaft. The keeper retaining member is secured to the keeper and is engageable with the nut to hold the keeper axially such that keeper is engaged with the nut. A cover member is located on an opposite side of the keeper retaining member relative to the nut and is engaged to the keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member and such that that the separation of the cover member from the keeper retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.
The present invention provides, in a second aspect, a system for use in securing a lock nut to a shaft which includes a keeper having keeper teeth engagable with a lock nut to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut. The keeper has a radially inner side configured to engage a shaft to inhibit rotational movement of the nut relative to the shaft when the keeper engages the nut and the radially inner side engages the shaft. The keeper retaining member is secured to the keeper and the retaining member has engaging teeth engagable with the nut to hold the keeper axially such that the keeper is engaged with the nut. A cover member is located on an opposite side of the keeper retaining member relative to the keeper teeth and engaging teeth and engaged to the keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of the cover member from the retaining member and such that the separation of the cover member from the retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.
The present invention provides, in a third aspect, a method for use in providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft which includes engaging a lock nut on a shaft at a desired preload of a bearing mounted on the shaft and engaging a keeper with the nut to inhibit movement of the keeper relative to the nut. A radially inner side of the keeper is engaged with the shaft to inhibit rotational movement of the nut relative to the shaft. A retaining member connected to the keeper is engaged with the nut to hold the keeper axially such that the keeper is engaged with the nut. A cover member is located on an opposite side of the keeper retaining member relative to the nut and engages the cover member to the keeper retaining member to inhibit a separation of the cover member such that the separation of the cover member from the retaining member provides a visual indication to a user.
The present invention provides, in a fourth aspect, an apparatus for use in connecting a cover member to a retaining member coupled to a nut mounted to shaft which includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced pressing members extending axially from a main body portion. A contacting portion is coupled to the main body portion and has a plurality of openings aligned with the pressing members to allow a first pressing member of the pressing members to extend through the contacting portion to contact a tab of a cover member to deform the tab toward a retaining member coupled to a nut mounted on a shaft.
The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description of aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
In accordance with the principals of the present invention, system and methods for adjusting bearings mounted on a shaft and aligning lock nuts for retaining such bearings are provided.
In an exemplary embodiment depicted in
Wheel hub assembly 10 is an assembly that would typically be found on a front or rear axle of a cab or tractor of a tractor-trailer, or an axle of a trailer. However, aspects of the invention are not limited to use for vehicle bearings. As will generally be understood by those skilled in the art, aspects of the invention may be used to service bearings and bearing assemblies in any machine or device that employs bearings, including, but not limited to: power trains, transmissions, machine components, on and off-road vehicles, aircraft wheels, marine drives, spacecraft, conveyor rolls, and windmills, among others. According to aspects of the present invention, preload apparatus 20 may be used in these and any other assembly for which bearing preload and/or endplay is desired, for example, any assembly that utilizes thrust and radial load carrying bearings that are indirectly mounted.
As shown in
As shown in
As depicted in
Nut 11 may include a plurality of engaging teeth 511 extending circumferentially around an inner radial surface of nut 11. For example, nut 11 may include 60 engaging teeth. Nut 11 may also include a shoulder 524 configured to receive a keeper 530. For example, shoulder 524 may be spaced from an outer surface 522 of nut 11 in an axial direction relative to nut 11 such that an axial dimension of keeper 530 relative to nut 11 is received between outer surface 522 and shoulder 524. Shoulder 524 may also abut and support keeper 530 in an axial direction. Nut 11 may be molded or formed of powdered metal, for example.
As depicted in
Keeper 530 and retaining member 540 engage retaining nut 11. For example, keeper 530 includes keeper teeth 520 which are configured to engage engaging teeth 511 of retaining nut 11. Keeper 530 may also include an engaging member 534 which protrudes radially inwardly relative to retaining nut 11 to engage a shaft slot 5 (
Keeper retaining member 540 may engage a slot 561 of retaining nut 11. For example, slot 561 may extend circumferentially (e.g., completely or partially) around nut 11. Slot 60 may be located between engaging teeth 120 and outer surface 522 of nut 11. Also, slot 60 may have a radial depth of about 0.050 inches. A first leg 542 and a second leg 543 may be received in slot 561. For example, slot 561 may have a radial depth of about 0.050 inches. Further, a nose 544 of retaining member 540 may be received in slot 561. Retaining member 540 when received in slot 561 may align keeper 530 such that keeper teeth 520 are engaged with engaging teeth 511. Further, retaining member 540 provides resistance in an axial direction relative to retaining nut 11 thereby inhibiting movement of keeper 530 axially away from a shoulder 524 toward an outer surface 522.
Retaining member 540 may be elastically deformable to allow it to be received in slot 561. For example, first leg 542 and second leg 543 may be deformed (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of retaining nut 11) toward one another prior to being inserted axially past outer surface 522 of retaining nut 11 to allow retaining member 540, and keeper 530 to be attached thereto. First leg 542 and second leg 543 may then be elastically returned toward slot 561. A user may move the legs (i.e., first leg 542 and second leg 543) toward one another as described above to allow the retaining member to be received in slot 561. In one example, a user may use a tool (e.g., a tool made for this specific purpose or a type of pliers such as needle nose pliers) which is inserted into openings 611 and 612 (
Also, first leg 542 may include a protruding portion 560 which protrudes radially relative to a rounded portion 565 of retaining member 540. Similarly, second leg 543 may include a protruding portion 562. Protruding portion 560 and protruding portion 565 may extend into slot 561 to engage retaining member 540 with slot 561. Further, protruding portion 560 may include a groove 566 and protruding portion 562 may include a groove 567 as depicted in
Retaining member 540 may also include notches 600 on opposite sides of keeper 530 and spaced from ends 610 of retaining member 540 with the notches configured (e.g., shaped and dimensioned) to receive tabs 620 of a cover member or cover plate 650 as depicted in
A cover member, such as a cover plate 650, may be installed after retaining member 540 is engaged with nut 11 as described above, and the cover plate may inhibit access to the retaining member due to the connection between cover plate 650 and retaining member 540, such that any removal of the cover plate damages or deforms cover plate 650. In particular, the cover plate is configured (e.g., shaped, dimensioned and formed of a material) such that a user could not remove the cover plate (and reinstall it) without it being evident upon a visual inspection that the system had been tampered with, i.e., the cover plate had been removed and reapplied. The damage to the cover plate would therefore provide an indication via visual inspection that retaining member 540 was accessed and nut 11 may have been adjusted, thereby adjusting a preload of the bearing. This indication of tampering (i.e., indication of damage to cover plate 650) allows a seller or manufacturer of wheel bearing systems, such as an OEM of vehicle or car parts, to provide a warranty on bearing systems utilizing the described cover plate since it would be evident upon visual inspection that a nut (e.g., nut 11) holding a wheel bearing may have been tampered with due to the condition of the cover plate. The cover member or cover plate 650 may be of a variety of shapes and sizes, but preferably covers at least a portion of a retaining member (e.g., retaining member 540).
Tabs 620 of cover plate 650 may be T-shaped having radial extending portions 652 and circumferential portions 654 connected thereto, as depicted in
Also, cover plate 650 may include indents 630 bounding openings 631 to allow a user to view retaining member 540 below cover plate 650 through opening 631 when the cover plate and retaining member are engaged to each other. For example, indents 630 may be located to allow the user to view protruding portions 560 and 562 when the cover plate and retaining member are installed on nut 11 to allow the user to confirm the proper installation of the retaining member on nut 11 without removing cover plate 650. For example, the user may view the location of groove 566, 567 relative to one or more markings 510 on outer surface 522 of nut 11 to corresponding to one or more roots engaging teeth 511 thereof as described in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,530 issued on Nov. 27, 2012 titled “Systems And Methods For Preloading A Bearing And Aligning A Lock Nut”, incorporated herein by reference. Further, keeper retaining member 540 may include a notch 541 in a nose 544 as described in the indicated co-owned patent.
Legs 710 of installation tool 700 may be circumferentially spaced pressing members (e.g., four such members as depicted in the figures) extending axially from a circumferential base 705. Each leg 702 of legs 710 may include a circumferential portion 755 and a radial portion 760. The circumferential portion may be located on a radially innermost side of base 705 such that an innermost surface 706 of base 705 are at a same radial distance. Radial portion 760 may be located radially outwardly of the circumferential portion and may extend axially from base 705. A curved or arched surface 762 may connect an axially outermost surface 763 of circumferential portion 755 with a radially outermost surface 764 of radial portion 760.
Circumferential portion 755 may include a projection 756 extending axially from a remaining portion of the circumferential portion. Projection 756 may be configured (e.g., shaped and dimensioned) to be received in a recess 622 of a tab 623 of tabs 620 of cover plate 650 when circumferential portion 755 contacts tab 623 to deform the tab toward a retaining member (e.g., retaining member 540) and toward a nut (e.g., nut 11). As depicted, projection 756 may be rounded at least on a radial outer surface contacting tab 623 to be received in recess 622 which may also be rounded on a radial inner side. The engagement of tab 623 bounding recess 622 with tool 700 at the location of such engagement may promote an initial engagement and alignment of tool 700 with cover plate 650, for example.
Radial portion 760 may be configured (e.g., shaped and dimensioned) to be received in an opening 624 created in cover plate 650 and one of notches 600 when each leg 702 contacts tab 623 to deform the tab toward a retaining member (e.g., retaining member 540) and toward a nut (e.g., nut 11).
In another example depicted in
As depicted in
In one example, legs 1140 may be shaped as described above for legs 710 except that ends thereof may be configured to engage tabs 720 instead of tabs 620. For example, ends of legs 1140 opposite main body 1125 may include a circumferential portion and a radial portion shaped and dimensioned to engage tabs 720 such that the ends may engage and deform such tabs toward retaining member 540 and nut 11.
In another example depicted in
In other examples, cover plates (e.g., cover plate 650, cover plate 750 and 1200) could include tabs formed in any shape which inhibits separation of the cover plate from the retaining member and provides a visual indication when such separation is attempted. Further a tool (e.g., tool 700 and tool 1110) could include any number of legs or pressing members configured to deform tabs of a cover plate to inhibit separation of the cover plate from a corresponding retaining member and provides a visual indication when such separation is attempted and/or has occurred. Moreover, the features of the cover plates (e.g., cover plate 650, cover plate 750 and 1200) described, such as tabs (e.g., tabs 620, tabs 720) openings (e.g., opening 631, opening 640, opening 624, opening 711 and opening 712), could be located in different positions relative to each other such the features correspond to appropriate features of a retaining member to facilitate engagement of the cover plates and retaining members and to inhibit separation of one from another. Further, the features of the cover plates and retaining members may be located to facilitate engagement of an installation tool (e.g., tool 700 or tool 1100) to one and/or the other. Similarly, features of an installation tool (e.g., tool 700 or tool 1100) may be located to align such features (e.g., legs 710, legs 1140) with appropriate features (e.g., tabs 620, tabs 720, openings 711 and 712 and openings 611 and 612) of a cover plate and/or retaining member.
In a further example depicted in
Retaining member 900 may be identical to retaining member 540 except for an absence of notches 600 in retaining member 900 and an addition of a left opening 901 and a right opening 902 in retaining member 900 which are not present in retaining member 540. The above description relative to retaining member 540 applies relative to retaining member 900 except for these distinctions.
As depicted in
Retaining member 900 may have ends 905 and 910, similar to ends 610 of retaining member 540 described above. Left portion 867 may be bent further such that an end 868 of left portion 867 moves toward end 910 and left portion 867 has a longitudinal dimension substantially parallel to central portion 862 as depicted in
The bending or deformation of right portion 872 therefore connects ends 905 and 910 of retaining member 900 to each other such that locking member 850 and/or retaining member 900 would be damaged or deformed if one attempted to remove retaining member 900 from nut 11. Further, the removal of end 873 from opening 876 would be evident if one attempted to remove retaining member 900. As noted above, the visual indication provided by any such damage provides a tampering indicator, which allows an original equipment manufacturer to provide warranties for wheels which have endplay adjusted to a particular specification prior to the installation of retaining member 900 and locking member 850. In particular, the indicator lets the OEM know upon inspection the retaining member-locking member assembly has been tampered with thereby violating any warranty which prohibits such tampering.
The deformation described above relative to locking member 850 to attach the locking member to the retaining member could be performed using standard pliers (e.g., needle nose pliers) or a tool designed to specifically provide for the bending of the portions of locking member 850 described above.
In another example depicted in
Returning to
In another example depicted in
As depicted in
For example, the retaining members described above (e.g., retaining member 540, retaining member 900, and retaining member 1000) may be formed of stamped sheet metal, and may have a thickness in a range between 0.040-0.050 inches, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the retaining members could be formed of other materials (e.g., powdered metal) and/or formed in other shapes to allow the retaining members to be received in slot 561 and to be connected to a keeper (e.g., keeper 540, keeper 1030) via a projection (e.g., projection 535). Further, the keepers may be formed or molded of powdered metal, for example. Alternatively, the keepers and retaining members could be formed integral or monolithic relative to one another.
The cover plates (e.g., cover plate 600 and cover plate 750) and other locking members (e.g., locking member 850 and locking member 950) may be formed of stainless steel. Further, keeper 530 and/or nut 11 may be fabricated from any one or more of the structural metals, for example, carbon steel or stainless steel. Nut 11 may be fabricated by machining from a billet or plate, by forging or casting and then finished machining, or fabricated by conventional powder metallurgy techniques. In one aspect, when formed by powder metallurgy, the material may be FC 0208, or its equivalent. Nut 11 may also be surface hardened for example, induction hardened, carburized, or nitrided, among other surface hardening methods; in one aspect, the exposed surfaces on outer surface 522 of nut 11 may be hardened, for example, induction hardened.
Returning to
Rod 40 may be configured to attach to exposed end 13 of shaft 14, for example, by collar 46, though other attachment means may be used. Press mechanism 44 may include an adjustment nut 48 which may be threaded to rod 40 (e.g., on external threads 41 (
As shown in
As depicted in FIGS. 10-11 of indicated co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,530, loading adapter 210 includes a plate 211 and at least two extensions, fingers, or arms 212, 213 extending from plate 211. In this aspect of the invention, extensions 212 and 213 are adapted to transmit the load applied to plate 211, for example, by the compression of nut 48, to the bearing 16. Plate 211 typically includes a through hole or bore 214 that is adapted to receive rod 40. Plate 211 may also include a raised boss 215 adapted to contact press mechanism 44, for example, adapted to contact piston 54 or bearing 64 (
As further illustrated in the indicated co-owned patent, arms or extensions 212, 213 may include projections 225, 226, respectively, for example, arcuate projections adapted to engage the arcuate shape of bearing 16 (e.g., an inner race thereof). Loading adapter 210 may also include an aligning arm 205 configured (e.g., shaped and dimensioned) to engage shaft slot 5 (
Press mechanism 44 may be any means that is configured to provide a compressive load (e.g., utilizing nut 48) to outboard bearing 16 (e.g., an inner race thereof). Further, press mechanism 44 may include a load sensor or any means for monitoring the compressive load transferred to bearing 16. For example, the indication of the compressive load transferred by press mechanism 44 may be provided mechanically, for example, by compression springs having a known spring constant, for example, coil springs or disc springs, and a deflection indicator, for example, a dial indicator, as is known in the art. In this aspect, the dial indicator may be mounted to detect and indicate the compression of one or more springs positioned in press mechanism 44 due to the advancement of nut 48, and the compression load calculated from the deflection indicated and the known spring constant of the springs used. This aspect of the invention may provide a reliable and repeatable means for monitoring the preload provided to inner race 15 of outboard bearing 16. The load sensor may be wired to an appropriate processor and display to, for example, provide a digital readout of the compressive load to the mechanic operating preload device 20. The transmission of signals from the sensor may also be practiced wirelessly, for example, by means of an RF signal. This aspect of the invention may also provide a reliable and repeatable means for monitoring the preload provided to bearing 16.
In one aspect of the invention, preload apparatus 20 may be used to apply and monitor a preload to outboard bearing 16. In a typical procedure, a wheel (not shown) may be dismounted from hub assembly 10, for example, which was mounted to studs on hub 10, as exemplified by stud 100 in FIGS. 1-4 of the indicated co-owned patent, U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,530. Apparatus 20 may be prepared by assembly and filling cavity 56 with a fluid, for example, oil, through an access port (not shown) similar to that occupied by pressure indicator 60. Nut 11 may be loosened or hand tightened prior to mounting apparatus 20, though any light load on nut 11 will typically be relieved with application of tension to spindle 14 by means of rod 40. Apparatus 20 is then mounted to hub assembly 10 by attaching rod 40 to spindle 14 by means of collar 46. As a result, extensions 212, 213 are brought into contact with bearing 16 (e.g., an inner race thereof). Assuming a desired compressive deflection for bearing 16, for example, 0.003 inches, and a corresponding preload, L, the desired target pressure in cavity 56 can be calculated as described in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,530.
The loading of bearing 16 may be initiated by advancing, that, is tightening, nut 48, against housing 52 via bearing 62, for example, by means of arms 50. The buildup of pressure in cavity 56 as indicated by pressure indicator 60 may be monitored by the mechanic. The tightening of nut 48 continues until the target pressure is achieved. The hub assembly may be rotated at least once to provide proper seating of the rollers in bearing 16. For example, nut 48 including arm 50 may be rotated three revolutions and such nut handle may then be counter-rotated slightly to arrive at a desired pressure as indicated on a pressure sensor (e.g., gauge 60). Once the target pressure is achieved in cavity 56, and the desired preload is applied to bearing 16, nut 11 may be tightened (e.g., by hand) against inner race 15 to maintain the preload after apparatus 20 is removed. The desired tightening of nut 11 may be determined by positioning one or more of markings 510 on nut 11 relative to aligning arm 205. Also, the hub assembly may be rotated at least once to provide proper seating of the rollers in bearing 16. Upon completion of the preloading, apparatus 20 may be removed from wheel hub assembly 10 and, keeper 530 and retaining member 540 may be engaged with retaining nut 11 and spindle 14 such that keeper teeth 520 engage teeth 511 of nut 11 and engaging member 534 of keeper 530 engage shaft slot 5 of spindle 14. As indicated above, nut 11 may be selectively rotated based on markings 510 and aligning arm 205 such that keeper teeth 520 and engaging teeth 511 engage one another and engaging member 534 engages shaft slot 5 in a manner to inhibit movement of spindle 14 relative to retaining nut 11. As described above, a cover plate or locking member (e.g., cover plate 650, cover plate 750, locking member 850, locking member 950, or locking mechanism 1010) may be utilized to allow a visual inspection of any potential tampering of the endplay of the wheel hub assembly. The wheel may then, for example, be remounted. Variations on this procedure while not deviating from the desired results may be apparent to those of skill in the art.
The preloading of the bearings as described above is advantageous relative to endplate adjustment but was rarely recommended prior to the invention disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,530, due to the difficulty of creating and verifying a correct preload site. The use of a load sensor such as a pressure indicator or gauge 60 along with the selective positioning of retaining nut 11 on spindle 14 (e.g., using arm 205 and markings 510) provide for a repeatable correct and accurate preload setting.
Aspects of the invention may also be used to evaluate the preload or endplay on an existing bearing or bearing assembly. For example, an existing truck hub assembly may be evaluated for its existing preload and compared to the desired preload, and, if necessary, adjusted accordingly. First, the truck may be jacked up, if needed. (The hub may be allowed to cool, if necessary). Apparatus 20 may then be mounted to bearing 16 and spindle 14 (with reference to
Although aspects of the present invention were described above with respect to their application to wheel hub assemblies, for example, truck wheel hub assemblies, it is understood that aspects of the present invention may be applied to any vehicle, machine, or component having at least one bearing. Further, although press mechanism 44 is described above as applying a compressive load to an inner race of a bearing, such load could be applied elsewhere to the bearing or wheel assembly 10 such that a frictional or other load on a retaining nut is reduced to allow rotation of a retaining nut. Such rotation may allow teeth of the nut and teeth of a keeper to be aligned with each other to allow engagement of a shaft engaging portion of the keeper with a shaft, (e.g., a shaft slot thereof) to inhibit rotation of the nut relative to the shaft.
While several aspects of the present invention have been described and depicted herein, alternative aspects may be effected by those skilled in the art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such alternative aspects as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Rode, John E., Strait, Sean E., Wilson, Ronald George
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10047571, | Jan 21 2014 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Locking nut with a directional coupling mechanism |
10100872, | Apr 07 2017 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; TEMPLER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
10107331, | Apr 07 2017 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
10151343, | Apr 07 2017 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
10532451, | Mar 16 2016 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing |
10718368, | Aug 08 2017 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Lock nut with offset retaining ring |
10837489, | Apr 07 2017 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
10968945, | Jul 02 2018 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Lock nut with rotatably alignable retaining ring |
10974544, | Apr 07 2017 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
10982706, | Aug 08 2017 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Lock nut with adjustable retaining ring |
11009068, | Apr 07 2017 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
11247319, | Mar 16 2016 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing |
11506242, | Jul 30 2020 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Endplay or preload settable lock nut |
11565547, | Apr 07 2017 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
11719274, | Jul 02 2018 | Corporation | Lock nut systems and methods |
11920632, | Jul 30 2020 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Endplay or preload settable lock nut |
11951770, | Apr 07 2017 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
ER7488, | |||
ER9701, | |||
ER9836, |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
1352643, | |||
1366273, | |||
1373489, | |||
1384655, | |||
1440938, | |||
1755807, | |||
1758515, | |||
2301786, | |||
2426219, | |||
2755698, | |||
2769360, | |||
2813732, | |||
3144909, | |||
3241409, | |||
3316952, | |||
3464474, | |||
3480300, | |||
3522830, | |||
3581609, | |||
3664226, | |||
3678981, | |||
3742568, | |||
3762455, | |||
3844323, | |||
3986750, | Jan 20 1975 | Micro-nut and sensory mounting arrangement | |
4048897, | May 10 1976 | Laterally engagable and releasable nut assembly | |
4054999, | Nov 03 1975 | The Timken Company | Adjusting process for bearings |
4210372, | Feb 11 1977 | CATERPILLAR INC , A CORP OF DE | Retainer for bearing lock nut |
4305438, | Dec 31 1979 | East/West Industries, Inc. | Filler valve adapter tool kit |
4436468, | Jul 20 1981 | MAEDA INDUSTRIES, LTD , 97, TANNAN, MIHARA-CHO, MINAMIKAWACHI-GUN, OSAKA, JAPAN | Ball head lock nut as a component element of bicycle head parts |
4593924, | Jul 15 1983 | Headset for bicycles | |
4812094, | Sep 24 1987 | MacLean-Fogg Company | Locking fastener assembly for threaded joint |
4958941, | Mar 06 1989 | Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha | Support unit |
4971501, | Mar 16 1984 | HSAC ACQUISITION CORPORATION | Self-locking, releasable lock nut |
5011306, | Mar 09 1990 | Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC | Apparatus for mounting a bearing or other device and tapered adapter onto a shaft |
5058424, | Oct 25 1990 | International Truck and Engine Corporation Canada | Wheel end play setting device |
5070621, | Feb 25 1991 | Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc | Apparatus for measuring wheel end play |
5129156, | Dec 20 1990 | General Electric Company | Method for setting the axial end play of tapered roller bearings |
5180265, | Feb 24 1992 | HI-SHEAR CORPORATION A CORP OF DELAWARE | Self locking nut |
518328, | |||
5251995, | Nov 12 1992 | Coupling of a head set | |
5348349, | Nov 22 1993 | Splined safety lock | |
5349736, | Feb 26 1993 | SENSIBLE PRODUCTS, INC | Method and tool for pulling clutch from washing-machine motor |
5362111, | Sep 24 1993 | Fairchild Holding Corp | Anti-rotation locking device for preventing separation of coupling nuts from fluid lines |
5366300, | Jun 24 1993 | Robert Bosch Technology Corporation | Live spindle hub with inboard bearing retention |
5533849, | Jul 15 1994 | Pro Shear Corporation | Self-locking nut for a wheel bearing |
5535517, | Oct 29 1993 | RODE, JOHN E | Bearing setting procedure and apparatus |
5573311, | Jul 05 1994 | Warn Industries, Inc. | Anti-rotation device for wheel spindle nut |
5597058, | Apr 28 1994 | WARN INDUSTRIES, INC | Hub lock for vehicle |
5749386, | Oct 18 1996 | Golf umbrella and support | |
578276, | |||
5877433, | May 27 1996 | NSK Ltd | Bearing preload measuring method and apparatus |
5882044, | Jan 29 1996 | Splined safety lock with resilient retaining ring | |
5934853, | Oct 24 1997 | HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation | Nut and device for tightening provided with the same |
6042273, | Oct 28 1998 | COLONIAL TOOL GROUP, INC ; TOOL SALES & SERVICE LLC | Adjustable preload spindle |
6058767, | Feb 27 1998 | MPB Corporation | Measurement of wheel bearing end play |
6065920, | Apr 17 1998 | Demag Cranes & Components GmbH | Securing ring |
6095735, | Jun 21 1999 | Locking nut assembly | |
6135642, | May 18 1999 | HAROLD W PETERSON AND RUSTY E BURCH DBA RUSTY S PARTS | Nut with coaxial bearing |
6186032, | Aug 20 1998 | Wrench | |
6286374, | Nov 09 1998 | NSK Ltd. | Preload measuring apparatus of rolling bearing |
6520710, | Feb 14 2001 | Delphi Technologies, Inc | Powdered metal assemblies with fastener inserts |
6598500, | Aug 20 2001 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Double-nut tool and method of setting the toe angle of a vehicle wheel |
6601503, | Dec 22 1999 | manroland AG | Method and device for coupling in/out a cylinder in a printing machine |
6622397, | Apr 25 2002 | Oshkosh Truck Corporation | Shim measuring apparatus |
6637297, | Oct 21 2002 | John, Mlynarczyk | Eccentric drive socket |
6749386, | Aug 20 2001 | Mac Lean-Fogg Company | Locking fastener assembly |
6857665, | Jul 24 2002 | Parker Intangibles LLC | Lockwireless anti-rotation fitting |
6886227, | Mar 13 2003 | Low impact shaft remover | |
6971802, | Dec 23 2003 | Bearing preload cage assembly | |
6976817, | Dec 30 1999 | Positive locking fastener | |
6988832, | Sep 30 2002 | Baldor Electric Company | Bearing insert with controlled endplay |
6993852, | Feb 06 2001 | TIMKEN COMPANY, THE | Gauge and process for adjusting bearings |
7303367, | Jan 05 2005 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; Temper Corporation | Lock nut system |
7343836, | Mar 01 2005 | Jess, Ward | Bender wrench |
7346985, | Jul 09 2003 | Temper Corporation | Bearing assembly spacer adjustment system and method for adjusting spacer |
7389579, | Feb 15 2006 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; Temper Corporation | Apparatus for providing a load on a bearing, the bearing having an inner race mounted to a shaft and the bearing retained by a nut |
7428779, | Apr 28 2006 | JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N A , AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | Endplay measurement tool and method |
7559135, | Jan 27 2006 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; Temper Corporation | Method and apparatus for preloading a bearing |
7625164, | Jan 05 2005 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; Temper Corporation | Lock nut system |
7927052, | Oct 26 2009 | Locking axle nut | |
8006573, | Oct 01 2010 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; Temper Corporation | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
8316530, | Jun 26 2009 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; Temper Corporation | Systems for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
8328486, | Jun 20 2005 | 1052633 ALBERTA LTD | Wheel retention nut |
8650757, | Jun 26 2009 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; Temper Corporation | Methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
8904646, | Jun 26 2009 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; Temper Corporation | Systems and methods for preloading a bearing and aligning a lock nut |
20020110414, | |||
20030035699, | |||
20040086354, | |||
20040089113, | |||
20050025604, | |||
20050207865, | |||
20060008340, | |||
20090003963, | |||
20100232902, | |||
20100326205, | |||
20110097174, | |||
DE3905385, | |||
EP1367299, | |||
GB2286231, | |||
GB2434621, | |||
GB2435499, | |||
WO208618, | |||
WO2008003919, |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Apr 02 2015 | RODE, JOHN E | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 037262 | /0025 | |
Apr 02 2015 | STRAIT, SEAN E | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 037262 | /0025 | |
Apr 02 2015 | RODE, JOHN E | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE RECEIVING PARTY DATA, STREET ADDRESS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 037262 FRAME 0025 ASSIGNOR S HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT | 045441 | /0381 | |
Apr 02 2015 | STRAIT, SEAN E | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE RECEIVING PARTY DATA, STREET ADDRESS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 037262 FRAME 0025 ASSIGNOR S HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT | 045441 | /0381 | |
Apr 23 2015 | WILSON, RONALD GEORGE | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 037262 | /0025 | |
Apr 23 2015 | WILSON, RONALD GEORGE | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE RECEIVING PARTY DATA, STREET ADDRESS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 037262 FRAME 0025 ASSIGNOR S HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT | 045441 | /0381 | |
Nov 19 2015 | TEMPER AXLE PRODUCTS CORPORATION | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Sep 08 2020 | M2551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Yr, Small Entity. |
Aug 21 2024 | M2552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Yr, Small Entity. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Mar 07 2020 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Sep 07 2020 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 07 2021 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Mar 07 2023 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Mar 07 2024 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Sep 07 2024 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 07 2025 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Mar 07 2027 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Mar 07 2028 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Sep 07 2028 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 07 2029 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Mar 07 2031 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |